To study, by continuous-reflection profiling, the volumetric
distribution and internal structure of sediments deposited in a group of modern
continental-margin submarine basins whose physiographic and oceanographic
characteristics are relatively well known and who relations to source and other
variables differ in marked degree. Thus, the sedimentary fill in the basins (the
end products of marine processes of erosion, transportation, and deposition) can
be related to the physical variables within the region of the basins and
conclusions may be drawn regarding the important factors which have influenced
its accumulation.